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Reflections on the "Problem Novel"
By Barbara Feinberg
Once upon a time, the books we gave our young may have been too sweet, too removed from reality. Has the pendulum swung too far in the other direction? A writer and mother reflects on the pros and cons of the "problem novel"—that ubiquitous subgenre of adolescent literature in which tragedy piles on tragedy.
Snowflake Science
A Rich Mix of Physics, Math, Chemistry, and Mystery
By Kenneth Libbrecht
We all marvel at the beauty and intricacy of snowflakes, but few of us can explain how they come to be. You'll be surprised to learn that they are not frozen raindrops and, despite the pattern on your sweater, they never have eight sides. You'll also be surprised to learn that scientists haven't yet fully figured out the causes of snowflakes' complex patterns.
Preschool Pays
High-Quality Early Education Would Save Billions
By Robert G. Lynch
Understanding ADHDWould you spend a dollar today if it could save you three dollars tomorrow? Of course. Wouldn't you want your government to do the same? It can. By spending $19 billion now to provide high-quality preschool to all poor three- and four-year-olds, this economist calculates that by 2050, America would save $61 billion per year.
By Daniel T. Willingham
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seems to be in the news (and our classrooms) constantly: What is it, how is it diagnosed, and how should it be treated? Our cognitive scientist provides the facts with an eye toward helping teachers deal with ADHD in the classroom.
Agamemnon for At-Risk Teens
An Ancient Classic Delivers Relevance and Rigor
By Rick Ayers
The further behind students are, the more they need rigorous content—how else could they ever catch up? This teacher leads a class with a bad reputation through The Oresteia and is reminded that great literature can resonate across the divide of centuries.
